The raw, alluring beauty of the pearl and the stories of those who collected it form a fascinating part of Australia’s national heritage. The Aboriginal trade and cultural significance of the magnificent Pinctada pearl shell had been well established before the arrival of ambitious European and Asian fortune seekers to the northern reaches of the country. Pearling quickly became a ruthless and illustrious industry spanning from Shark Bay to the Torres Strait Islands. Pearl industry and trade -- Australia -- History. | Pearl industry and trade -- Northern Territory -- History. | Pearl industry and trade -- Western Australia -- History. | Pearls -- Western Australia -- Broome. | Pearls -- Northern Territory. | Museums -- Western Australia -- Exhibitions. | Aboriginal Australians -- Western Australia -- History. | Northern Territory -- History. | Australian